Temporary structures such as marquees, tents and site cabins create unique fire safety challenges. Unlike permanent buildings, they are often erected for short periods, use lightweight materials, and operate in changing conditions. Under UK law these structures still fall within the scope of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, and the Responsible Person must ensure a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment is carried out and acted upon.

This guide explains the main fire risks associated with temporary structures, marquees and construction sites, and the practical steps needed to manage them safely.

Does the Fire Safety Order Apply to Temporary Structures?

Yes. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 applies to “any tent or moveable structure”. Government guidance on small and medium places of assembly explicitly includes marquees and tents. Construction sites and temporary buildings used on those sites are also covered.

The Responsible Person (usually the event organiser, site manager, principal contractor, or the person with control of the structure) must:

• Identify fire hazards
• Identify people at risk
• Evaluate and reduce the risks
• Provide appropriate fire precautions
• Record the significant findings
• Review the assessment as circumstances change

A generic assessment is rarely sufficient. Each structure and site needs consideration of its specific layout, occupancy, activities and surrounding conditions.

Fire Risks in Marquees and Temporary Fabric Structures

Marquees and large tents present particular risks because of the materials used and the way people gather inside them.

Key hazards include:

• Fabric and linings that can ignite and spread fire rapidly if not properly flame-retardant
• Limited or obstructed escape routes (guy ropes, stakes, uneven ground, furniture)
• High occupancy and potential overcrowding
• Temporary heating, cooking, catering or lighting equipment
• Generators, LPG cylinders and electrical installations
• Smoking and discarded cigarettes
• Adjacent structures or combustible storage placed too close
• Weather effects that can affect fabric performance or stability

Important controls:

• Use only fabric that meets recognised flame-retardancy standards (for example testing to BS 7837 or equivalent). Ask the supplier for current certification.
• Ensure sufficient, well-distributed exits. Travel distances should be kept short (often no more than 18–24 metres depending on the layout and number of exits).
• Keep exit routes and final exits clear of obstacles, including ropes and stakes.
• Provide suitable fire extinguishers (typically water or foam for general risks, plus any specialist extinguishers needed for cooking or electrical equipment).
• Control ignition sources: manage cooking, heaters, generators and temporary electrics carefully.
• Enforce a clear no-smoking policy inside and near the structure.
• Keep combustible waste under control and remove it regularly.
• Consider the need for emergency lighting and means of raising the alarm, especially for larger or evening events.
• Separate marquees from other structures and potential fire sources by adequate clear space where practicable.

The Responsible Person for each event or structure should be clearly identified and documented.

Fire Risks on Construction Sites and Temporary Buildings

Construction sites are dynamic environments. Fire risks change daily as the works progress. Temporary buildings (site offices, welfare cabins, stores and modular units) add further considerations.

Common hazards include:

• Hot works (welding, cutting, grinding, bitumen boilers)
• Storage of flammable liquids, gases and combustible materials
• Temporary electrical installations and overloaded circuits
• Site cabins and welfare units, especially if placed close to the building under construction
• Arson and deliberate fire-setting
• Restricted or changing escape routes
• Limited firefighting access during certain phases of work

Key control measures:

• Carry out and regularly review a site-specific fire risk assessment under the Fire Safety Order.
• Follow recognised industry guidance such as the Joint Code of Practice on the Protection from Fire of Construction Sites and Buildings Undergoing Renovation (often called the Joint Fire Code).
• Provide adequate fire breaks between temporary buildings and the main structure (ideally 6–10 metres where reasonably practicable). Where this cannot be achieved, higher fire-resistance standards for the temporary buildings are usually required.
• Control hot works through a permit-to-work system, with fire watches and suitable extinguishers.
• Store flammable materials safely and limit quantities on site.
• Maintain clear escape routes and assembly points that remain usable as the site changes.
• Provide appropriate fire detection or alarm arrangements in temporary buildings and higher-risk areas.
• Ensure good site security to reduce arson risk.
• Keep temporary buildings well maintained and free of combustible clutter.

Where the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 apply, fire safety must also be considered within the wider health and safety management arrangements for the project.

Practical Steps for a Suitable Fire Risk Assessment

A good assessment for temporary structures or construction sites should cover:

1. The nature and materials of the structure
2. Expected numbers and types of people (including any vulnerable individuals)
3. Activities taking place (cooking, performances, hot works, etc.)
4. Means of escape and travel distances
5. Fire detection and warning arrangements
6. Firefighting equipment and access for the Fire and Rescue Service
7. Emergency procedures and assembly points
8. Arrangements for monitoring and review (especially important on construction sites where conditions change rapidly)

The assessment should be recorded and shared with those who need to act on it. For events, the Responsible Person for each temporary structure should be clearly identified.

How Fire Safety Risk Assessment Can Help

At Fire Safety Risk Assessment we provide clear, practical fire risk assessments for a wide range of premises, including events involving marquees and temporary structures, and construction or temporary site accommodation. Our assessments help Responsible Persons meet their duties under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and related guidance.

We work with clients across Birmingham, Manchester, Warrington, the West Midlands and the wider UK.

Related reading on our site:

• Regulatory Reform Fire Safety Order 2005 Guide
• Fire Alarm System UK Guide
• Fire Extinguisher Types UK Guide
• Who Is Responsible for Making a Fire Risk Assessment?
• Emergency Lighting Requirements

Final Advice

Temporary structures and construction sites demand careful, site-specific attention to fire safety. Materials, occupancy, activities and layout can create risks that are very different from those in permanent buildings. A suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment, followed by clear and practical controls, is the foundation of compliance and, more importantly, of protecting people.

If you are organising an event that involves marquees, managing temporary site accommodation, or overseeing fire safety on a construction project, a professional assessment provides clarity and documented evidence of the steps you have taken.

Need a Fire Risk Assessment for a temporary structure, marquee or construction site?
Contact Fire Safety Risk Assessment today for practical, compliant advice.

Get a quote or book your assessment